News

MPs criticise delay in Government response to childcare funding petition

A report calling for an urgent review of childcare funding and how new parents are supported due to the impact of Covid-19 will not be addressed until later this year.
MPs have called for an urgent review of funding for the childcare sector to ensure there are sufficient childcare places for parents to return to work
MPs have called for an urgent review of funding for the childcare sector to ensure there are sufficient childcare places for parents to return to work

The Government has been criticised for its failure to respond to the Petitions Committee report with Catherine McKinnell MP, chair of the Petitions Committee, saying that she was ‘extremely disappointed that Government hasn’t recognised the urgency of this issue’.

The report, The impact of Covid-19 on maternity leave and parental leave, was in response to more than 226,000 people who signed an e-petition raising concerns about the dangerous impact the pandemic was having on their children’s development and their own mental health. The petition called for the Government to extend maternity leave by three months with pay, in light of Covid-19.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here